Oval install & owner horror stories true?

[matt4x4]

Ok, here's my opinion on everything stated...
1. Water table is fine - mine's pretty much at the ground surface in the spring - When I open my well, it tends to sit about 2" below the ground level, and I don't have problems with the pool, likely due to proper sloping of ground - since you're building up, you will also have a good slope.
Crusher run should be available everywhere - check for teh name screenings, it's essentially stone dust (another name you can try) ranging from sand sized to half a chocolate chip in size - grey in color, compacts well when wet - many lay interlock on it as well.
Bottom rails - aluminum - not an issue - alkuminum only corrodes when in contact with certain minerals (salts) - as long as you don't spice up your pool, things should hold up ok.
You can also use the pink styrofoam sheets, personally, I went with sand and only used the styrofoam shhets to make large soles for my shoes so i wouldn't leave imprints in the sand, but I've been reading that many are now going with the styrofoam for a more even bottom, and if you're really concerned about those straps under the pool (I would not be), the styrofoam would likely have less chance of pushing out of the way than sand.
Call around for the screenings, they really help make the wall layout/levelling easy and really should be available - we can even get them in bags at the nurseries - pricey from those guys though!

[Aranon]

In answer to where to get 2" Dow Chemical Blue Styrofoam:

Check roofing companies. Commercial Roofing suppliers have it and most will sell it over the counter with a credit card, especially if you tell them you will not be using it for roofs.

Also check with insulation companies. In Dallas it is going for about $22-$24 dollars a sheet. 1 1/2 is cheaper. Its made by Dow Corning or Dow Chemical and referred to as Blue Board. I doubt you will find it at Home Depot or lumber yards. This is Styrofoam not bead board or polystyrene.
Aranon

[NWMNMom]

TYTY! This place is a gold mine of great info and very nice people.

[matt4x4]

I used sand so I could create a deeper center - sand is easier to shape, the blue foam is good for a flat bottom. The center of my pool is sloped to 8" deeper than the edges, also makes cleanup easy - get in, walk a couple of circles to get the water moving, wait half an hour and all your dirt sets down in the middle part of the pool for a quick vac job.